KARNALI, Dec 31: The Karnali province government has introduced the Animal Welfare Standards 2080. The Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives has enforced the standards as per the norms and spirit of the Animal Health and Animal Services Act, 2055, to ensure animal welfare.
It recommends adopting good production practices, proper management of animal breeding among others. Speaking at a discussion held to promote the use of the standards that came into force on December 20, secretary of the ministry, Narahari Prasad Ghimire, said that the provincial government has introduced the standards to promote good practices in the animal husbandry sector. Dr Ghimire also urged the animal traders to implement the standards to ensure that there is no cruel behaviour during animal rearing, transportation or sale.
Animal rights activists stress need for Animal Welfare Act
Sneha Shrestha, president of Sneha's Care Lalitpur, said that the standards issued by the Karnali province government will help in increasing the production of animal and poultry products, increasing hygiene, reducing extreme cruelty on animals and improving overall animal welfare.
The standard includes the right to prevent animals from hunger, thirst and malnutrition, to protect them from fear, panic and stress and to prevent physical cold and heat discomfort, and to protect them from pain, injury and disease, while respecting the right to live with normal natural behaviour. Managing Director of Nepal Farmers Advisory Council Pvt. Ltd. Dr Bimal Kumar Nirmal praised the provincial government for recognizing the long-standing campaign to establish animal welfare.
